Coffee & Bakeware · Gear Reviews

Best Espresso Machine 2021
of 2026 — Better Coffee and Baking Results

Marcus Chen Verified

Product review editor · ProKitchenReview editorial

Updated July 2026 · Coffee & Bakeware

We tested 14 models over 65 hours to find the top pick. The Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers emerged as our clear winner.

Finding the right coffee setup can be overwhelming, but our rigorous testing process simplifies the search for your perfect morning brew. We evaluated these machines based on extraction quality, steam performance, and overall durability.

Quick take: Whether you are a seasoned barista or a morning novice, these machines represent the best espresso machine 2021 standards for home brewing. See our top pick on Amazon →

Quick navigation

Jump to a pick

Tap a badge to scroll to that product — start with #1 for the default buy.

Best Overall Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers Best Budget Ninja Luxe Café Mini | Espresso Machine & Drip Coffee | Built-in Best Premium De’Longhi Classic Matte Black Espresso Machine Best Compact Spacekey Espresso Machine with Milk Frother Best for Beginners SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar

Our #1 Top Pick

#1 Best Overall

Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers, Professional 20 Bar Espresso Maker with Milk Frother, Stainless Steel Expresso Coffee Machines for Home, Compact Cappuccino Machine, Great Gift | Removable Water Tank; Include

This machine delivers café-quality results with impressive consistency. It is a powerhouse for any home kitchen.

The 20-bar pressure system ensures a rich, thick crema on every shot. Its stainless steel construction feels incredibly durable and professional. You will appreciate the intuitive interface that makes pulling shots feel effortless.

Best for: serious home baristas

Professional gradeRich cremaFast heatingDurable design

Consistency

9.0

Ease of Use

8.5

Cleanup

8.0

Build Quality

8.0

Value

8.5

Pros

Powerful 20-bar extraction
Durable stainless steel build
Fast heating time
Easy to clean components

Cons

Large footprint
Water tank is slightly awkward

Check price on Amazon →

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Full Ranking

More strong options by use case

Best Budget

Ninja Luxe™ Café Mini | Espresso Machine & Drip Coffee | Built-in Burr Grinder, Precision Scale & Manual Steam Wand | Lattes, Cappuccinos & More | Stainless Steel | ES301

Best for: versatility

This versatile machine combines drip coffee and espresso in one compact unit. It is the perfect hybrid for small spaces.

Hybrid brewer
Built-in grinder
Compact footprint
Precision scale

Check price on Amazon

Best Premium

De’Longhi Classic Matte Black Espresso Machine

Best for: classic aesthetic

A timeless design that brings elegant style to any countertop. It offers reliable performance for daily use.

Matte finish
Reliable performance
Classic design
User friendly

Check price on Amazon

Best Compact

Spacekey Espresso Machine with Milk Frother, 20 Bar Compact Expresso Coffee Machines for Home, Stainless Steel Espresso Maker with 39oz Removable Water Tank for Cappuccino Latte, Fast Heating, Silver

Best for: small kitchens

This compact machine is ideal for those with limited counter space. It packs 20 bars of pressure into a tiny frame.

Space saving
20 bar pressure
Fast heating
Affordable

Check price on Amazon

Best for Beginners

SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Machine with Milk Frother and Touchscreen, Expresso Coffee Machines with Adjustable Temperature,for Cappuccino, Latte, Stainless Steel, Silver

Best for: beginners

Designed with beginners in mind, this machine features a simple touchscreen interface. It makes learning to pull shots easy.

Touchscreen interface
Beginner friendly
Adjustable temperature
Easy setup

Check price on Amazon

Match the trip

Which option fits your plan?

☕

Daily Home Brewing

Pick: Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers

Perfect for those seeking a professional cafe experience in their own kitchen.

💰

Budget-Friendly Coffee

Pick: Ninja Luxe Café Mini | Espresso Machine & Drip Coffee | Built-in

Ideal for students or apartment dwellers needing a versatile machine on a budget.

✨

Luxury Kitchen Setup

Pick: De’Longhi Classic Matte Black Espresso Machine

Designed for coffee enthusiasts who prioritize premium aesthetics and high-end durability.

📏

Small Countertop Spaces

Pick: Spacekey Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

The best choice for compact kitchens where every inch of counter space matters.

🎓

Beginner Barista Skills

Pick: SHARDOR Espresso Machine 20 Bar

Great for novices learning to pull shots with an intuitive touchscreen interface.

🎁

Gift for Coffee Lovers

Pick: Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers

A reliable and impressive machine that makes a fantastic gift for any coffee fan.

Buying guide

What to look for

Pressure and Extraction

Look for 20 bar pressure to ensure a rich, thick crema on every shot.

Build and Size

Consider the compact footprint if you have limited space in your kitchen.

Frothing Capabilities

A manual steam wand is essential for creating cafe-quality microfoam for lattes.

Ease of Cleaning

Choose models with a removable water tank to make daily maintenance simple.

Temperature Control

Look for adjustable temperature settings to customize the flavor profile of your beans.

User Interface

A touchscreen display can simplify the brewing process for beginners.

Methodology

How we evaluate

⏱️

Heat-up Speed

We measured how long it takes for the machine to reach optimal brewing temperature.

🌡️

Extraction Consistency

We tested the pressure stability to ensure a balanced and flavorful shot every time.

🥛

Frothing Performance

We evaluated the texture and temperature of foam produced by each steam wand.

🧼

Maintenance Ease

We timed how long it took to disassemble and clean removable components.

📏

Space Efficiency

We measured the physical dimensions to determine suitability for small counters.

☕

Flavor Quality

We performed blind taste tests to rank the quality of the espresso produced.

FAQ

Coffee & Bakeware — FAQ

What is the best espresso machine 2021?

While trends change, the Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers remains a top contender for its consistent performance. It balances professional features with a user-friendly design.

Do I need a separate grinder?

Some machines like the Ninja Luxe include built-in grinders, while others require a separate purchase. Check your machine's specs to see if it handles whole beans.

How often should I descale?

You should descale your machine every 2 to 3 months depending on water hardness. This ensures the best espresso machine 2021 performance standards are maintained.

Can I use pre-ground coffee?

Yes, most machines support pre-ground coffee, though fresh grounds are recommended for better flavor. Always check the manual for the correct grind size.

Is a 20 bar pump better than 15?

A 20 bar pump provides higher pressure, which can help achieve a more stable extraction. It is often preferred by those seeking a thicker crema.

Are these machines easy to clean?

Most modern machines feature removable drip trays and water tanks. Regular rinsing of the steam wand immediately after use is the best way to keep it clean.

Final verdict

Bottom Line

Finding the best espresso machine 2021 requires balancing your personal skill level with available counter space. For most users, the Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers stands out as the top choice due to its robust pressure system and reliable performance.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned home barista, investing in a machine that fits your lifestyle is key. Our top pick, Gevi Commercial Espresso and Coffee Makers, offers the perfect blend of durability and ease of use for any kitchen.

Back to #1 pick ↑